Jul 28, 2026

Emancipation Day Celebrates the Strength & Perseverance of Black Communities

In 2021, the House of Commons designated August 1 as Emancipation Day in Canada, commemorating the day that the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 came into effect across most of the British Empire.  On this day, Canadians are invited to reflect on and honour the courage, hope, and humanity of those who paved a way to freedom and to fight ongoing anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism and discrimination.

For Manitoba Opera, Emancipation Day is an opportunity to recognize the legacy of artists whose resilience lives on through operatic music, storytelling, and artistic expression. One of these artists is Scott Joplin, the composer of Treemonisha.

Born in 1868, Scott Joplin was one of the most famous musicians in America at the end of the 19th century. Known as the King of Ragtime for writing hits like Maple Leaf Rag and The Entertainer, Joplin aspired to write opera and symphonies but racism and the public who only viewed him as popular tunesmith stood in his way. Treemonisha was completed in 1911 but was never performed in his lifetime. Despite all his success, Joplin was unable to secure financial backing for a fully staged presentation of his masterpiece. It was finally produced in 1975 by the Houston Grand Opera.

Treemonisha is one of the few surviving classical music pieces about the immediate post-slavery era written by a Black person who actually lived through that period. Fusing classical music with ragtime, folk and Gospel sounds Joplin knew from his childhood growing up in Texarkana, Texas, this blend of genres was unlike anything that had come before and was born from Joplin’s ingenuity and collisions of cultures.

This season, we are honoured to present the Western Canadian premiere of Volcano Theatre’s production of Scott Joplin’s Treemonisha: A Musical Reimagining.

Building on Joplin’s original work, this 21st-century adaptation introduces new musical and theatrical elements with both traditional European and African instruments, while preserving the original themes of leadership and community empowerment.

Learn More about Scott Joplin and Volcano Theatre’s ground-breaking production in the CBC Documentary Short: The Reinvention of the 1911 Opera: Treemonisha.

Emancipation Day is more than a historical milestone. It is a day to remember not only what was taken, but also what could never be taken: the inherent worth and dignity of a people. May we continue to listen, to learn, and to ensure that every voice has the opportunity to be heard.

Jul 28, 2026

Farewell Reception for Larry Desrochers

What A Night!  On Tuesday, July 14, more than 200 guests gathered at the Centennial Concert Hall to celebrate Larry Desrochers and his remarkable 26-year tenure at Manitoba Opera and an incredible life-long career dedicated to the arts.

The evening was filled with standing ovations, laughter, heartfelt stories, and plenty of memorable moments as friends, artists, supporters, patrons, and community members and leaders came together to honour Larry’s remarkable impact on Manitoba Opera and Winnipeg’s cultural community.

Remarks and best wishes for the guest of honour were provided by emcee Michael Blais, the company’s executive director; Lori Yorke, Chair, Board of Trustees; and long-time chorister, Peter Klymkiw. As well, Holly Harris, arts journalist, artist and educator, joined Larry on stage for a Q & A reflecting on his career.

The Manitoba Opera Chorus performed three selections in Larry’s honour, “Si ridesta in ciel l’aurora” from Verdi’s La Traviata, Cavalleria Rusticana’s “Easter Hymn Chorus” by Mascagni with soprano Lara Ciekiewicz, and as the grand finale, a rendition of the “Champagne Chorus” composed by Strauss Jr.’s Die Fledermaus, with the lyrics playfully rewritten in Larry’s honour by the late Rob Herriot and Ann Hodges. This cheeky version was performed by Andriana Chuchman (soprano), Lara Ciekiewicz (soprano), Tracy Dahl (soprano), David Watson (baritone), along with the Manitoba Opera Chorus. The music program was conducted by Tadeusz Biernacki with piano accompaniment by Cary Denby.

The Manitoba Arts Council (MAC) also awarded Larry with their Arts Award of Distinction at the reception which was presented to him by MAC Chair Katarina Kupca.

This award is presented annually by MAC to a professional artist or arts/cultural professional in recognition of the highest level of artistic excellence and contribution to the development of the arts in Manitoba.

“Larry has shown, time and again, that the arts can bring people together, spark dialogue, celebrate heritage, and create empathy; and that leadership rooted in integrity and compassion can have a transformative effect far beyond any one organization,” said Robert Vineberg, nominator.

The formal program was followed by refreshments and conversation on the Piano Nobile.

It was a fitting celebration of Larry’s legacy that will continue to inspire for years to come. Bravo Larry!

Click Here for words to “Champagne Chorus for Larry”

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Photos: G. Ouskun

Jul 14, 2026

2025/26 Season AGM Highlights Larry Desrochers’ 26-Year Legacy, Appointment Of New Artistic Director & Record-Breaking Ticket Sales

Manitoba Opera (MO) announced this evening at its 2025/26 Annual General Meeting (AGM), held at the Centennial Concert Hall in Winnipeg, that the year ending May 31, 2026, was historic on several fronts. These include the 26-year end of Larry Desrochers’ tenure with the company; longtime employee, Michael Blais’, first year as executive director; the appointment of Manitoba-born conductor, pianist, and educator Gordon Gerrard as artistic director; and the highest season box office revenue in company history.

“The 2025/26 season has indeed been a milestone year for the company,” said Executive Director Michael Blais. “It marked the end of Larry Desrochers’ unprecedented tenure with the company and our transition to a new leadership model in which I serve as executive director and Maestro Gerrard will lead the company’s artistic vision.”

Serving 25 years as general director & CEO and one year as interim artistic director, Desrocher’s leadership was critical in shaping Manitoba Opera into the company it is today.

“Larry’s vision, commitment, and passion for the art form have left a lasting impact on our organization, our audiences, and our community. It’s now up to us to build on that momentum. I am so pleased that Gordon Gerrard, a talented and respected conductor, artist, and educator has joined our team and will play a vital role in shaping the company’s future,” Blais continued.